Security patrols are effective ways of spotting and dealing with security breaches rapidly on your property before they cause significant damage. How do you choose which one is right for you to ensure maximum protection of your people, assets, and customers?
There are various types of patrolling that you can choose from with foot patrols and mobile patrols being the most common ones. These can be further subdivided into patrol strategies (active and random patrols).
To help you choose the right option and guarantee the effectiveness of your security plan, we will discuss the best applications of each type of patrolling here.
If you are unsure of what type of security patrol to choose, Scout Security’s experienced team can help you. We offer mobile patrols that can be combined with foot patrols after we assess your needs. Hire us and get the best security services in the Denver metro and Colorado Springs!
2 Major Types of Security Patrols
First of all, the key similarities between foot and mobile patrols include visible crime deterrence for proactive crime prevention. Foot and mobile patrol security guards will:
- Identify and respond to potential issues, including fire hazards, before they get worse
- Roam around your property to discourage criminal activity such as trespassing, vandalism, and theft
- Control entry at access points (they can be assigned keyholding duties to make sure that doors or gates are locked/unlocked when needed)
- Monitor unsecured equipment (e.g. equipment that was left on that can pose a hazard)
In addition, both types of patrols can be customized based on your needs. They can be used together and combined with other patrol strategies (a.k.a hybrid security strategy) to optimize success.
Also Read: Static Security vs. Mobile Patrols: What Are Their Key Differences?
#1. Foot Patrols
Foot patrollers go inside buildings and walk around your property by foot to secure high-risk and high-traffic areas. They are ideal for small businesses or sites such as:
- Shopping centers
- Retail stores
- Office buildings
- Parking lots
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Motels
You can opt for foot patrols to guard hotspot areas where you want to control access and crowds to reduce the likelihood of security issues. They are best for guarding sites that can be easily covered on foot and where vehicles can’t access such as small spaces. As for keyholding duties, you can instruct them to lock or unlock doors in your building at specific times.
#2. Mobile Patrols
Mobile patrollers roam around your property using vehicles to cover larger areas within a short time. These vehicles can be automobiles, bicycles, and even golf carts. They have identifiable marks that act as highly visible deterrents against potential law violators on your property. This patrol strategy is also the best option when immediate response to security incidents, alarms, and emergencies is needed.
They are ideal for large properties with multiple buildings that cannot be efficiently covered by foot such as:
- Parking lots
- Apartment complexes
- Construction sites
- Manufacturing and industrial facilities
- Factories
- Processing plants
- Commercial warehouses
- Shopping centers
- Resorts
Also Read: 13 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mobile Patrol Security Service
Other Types of Security Patrolling
Aside from foot and mobile patrols, there are also less common types of security patrols that include observation post patrols, cyber patrols, and remote patrols:
#3. Observation Post Patrols
These types of patrols watch over the target area from a high observation post. It may be from a tower, deck, or other type of station where they can see most or even the entire site. Observation patrol posts are ideal for complementing other security strategies to secure large properties. They can coordinate with foot and mobile patrollers on the ground to respond to spotted incidents promptly.
#4. Remote Patrols Through CCTV Real-Time Surveillance
You can also take advantage of modern technology to monitor different areas of your property at the same time. Remote patrols use CCTV surveillance systems strategically positioned throughout your property. Security operators in a central monitoring station filled with monitors watch over multiple live video surveillance feeds.
If a security breach has been identified, they can communicate with on-site security personnel, local authorities, and emergency service providers to deal with the issue. You can also use this type of patrol with other security strategies if you want a high level of security to ensure rapid response to security incidents.
#5. Artificial Intelligence Patrols
These types of patrols can be used in dangerous locations such as areas with hazardous chemicals that are not safe for human security guards. They use robots or drones equipped with cameras that can be controlled by off-site security guards to monitor the area.
Types of Security Patrol Strategies
The types of security patrols discussed above can also be done through active or random patrols:
#6. Active Patrols
These are best for securing high-risk areas that need active security presence like those vulnerable to theft and other crimes. Guards will constantly inspect your perimeter to look for suspicious activities and other potential security risks. With continuous monitoring, early signs of security incidents can be spotted and addressed before they get worse. It also allows for rapid response to alarms/emergencies.
#7. Random Patrols
Security guards conducting random patrols will patrol your area at unpredictable times and irregular intervals. This makes it harder for would-be criminals to predict the guards’ movements and will stop them from doing unlawful acts. Random patrols are ideal for areas that only need a low level of security.
Also Read: How Mobile Patrol Security Can Proactively Deter Crimes on Your Property
So Which Type of Security Patrolling Should You Choose?
In summary, the best type of security strategy for your business will depend on the:
- Size and layout of your property
- Security risks present in the area
Choose foot patrolling for smaller properties and mobile patrols for larger sites where multiple buildings will be monitored. Choose active patrols if you want guards to continuously search for potential security threats in high-risk areas. Opt for random patrols to discourage criminal acts in low-risk areas that you still want to monitor.
Other Things to Know About the Different Types of Patrol in Security
How Effective Are Security Patrol Services?
“Security patrol can deter crime, monitor compliance with company security regulations, inspect the security system, fill physical security gaps, and reduce customer and employee fear of crime.”
– OJP, Planning for Effective Patrols
Security patrols have been proven to be effective in deterring crimes. However, take note that the effectiveness and success of your patrol plan will also depend on your security service provider. Make sure that you hire a company that is:
- Certified
- Insured
- Experienced
- Trained
The company should also be able to determine the best patrol strategy that can address the risks specific to your industry/business. They should also be able to optimize patrol routes and schedules based on a detailed risk assessment.
Also Read: 9 Things to Consider When Conducting a Mobile Patrol to Optimize Your Security Strategies
How Can Mobile Security Patrols Keep Your Business Safe?
Mobile security patrol services can help you by:
- Offering customizable mobile security solutions tailored to your industry’s and property’s specific needs to address all security issues
- Identifying potential threats to prevent early signs of illegal activities around your premises through unpredictable patrols around the clock
- Making sure that all access points like doors and gates are secured to keep unauthorized individuals away
- Responding to emergencies and alarms within minutes to mitigate their impacts and prevent business losses
- Coordinating with law enforcers, fire departments, and others to quickly respond to emergencies
Mobile patrol officers can also be assigned other duties such as employee escort during crucial hours and other tasks that your business needs to improve security.
Also Read:
- 11 Benefits of Hiring 24-Hour Onsite Fire Watch Guards for Your Business
- 7 Advantages of Hiring Construction Site Mobile Patrol Security Guards
- How to Choose Between Armed & Unarmed Security Guards: What Are Their Pros & Cons?
- 11 Benefits of Hotel Security: Why Is It Important for Your Business?
FAQs
The two common types of security patrols are foot and mobile patrols which can be further subcategorized into active and random patrols. Other types include observation post patrols, remote patrols, and artificial intelligence patrols.
The key purpose of patrolling in security is to deter crimes by detecting and stopping early signs of security breaches. Patrollers can also respond to incidents faster to prevent or mitigate potential damages.
Mobile security patrols use security personnel that patrol your property via marked vehicles to cover more areas within a short time. Thus, making them ideal for large properties and sites with multiple buildings.
Conclusion
You need to choose the right type of patrol strategy that will meet the security needs of your business. This makes sure that you will get the most cost-efficient and effective security solution that will address every vulnerability on your property. Professional security agencies can help you choose the most suitable option for your business.
Scout Security conducts risk assessments to give you custom solutions tailored to your needs. We offer mobile security patrols and other services in the Denver metro and Colorado Springs areas. Inquire now!
